Hall of Famers

Ty saved Myrna Birch when she collapsed on the floor from heart failure. Ty couldn’t call police, but she yowled at Myrna until she regained consciousness and called 911 herself.

Ty and Myrna Birch.

Jillie Jell tugs on Caroline McColls’ pant legs whenever she is about to get a migraine headache. She used the same technique to pull Caroline from her bed and warn her about a fire in the kitchen.

Timi, a valued of member of the police force, risked life and limb to save fellow officers by subduing an armed robber, ending a two-hour stand-off with a gunman prone to violence.

And Abby once pulled four-year-old Kyle, who had decided to sit in the middle of a busy intersection, to safety.

What do all these incredible life-savers have in common? They are animals, and they are all being inducted in the Hall of Fame. Ty is a Siamese Cat; Jillie Jell is a Cairn terrier; Timi is a German Shepherd police dog; and Abby, a Golden Retriever, is a service dog for an autistic child.

These heroic animals will join 122 other animals — 99 dogs, 22 cats, and one horse — in the Purina Animal Hall of Fame today, which has recognized animals for their heroism since 1968. Their stories show that animals have the potential to look out for us in many ways.

About the Author

Cathy M. Rosenthal has more than 25 years of experience in public relations, communications and humane education in the animal welfare field. She has worked for local humane societies and national humane groups, appearing on hundreds of television and radio news and public affairs programs to address animal issues. She currently is a consultant for local and national animal welfare organizations, writing grants, annual reports and other marketing materials. She is also the author of several children's books about animals.